Throughout Europe, large parts of the electorate lack trust
in elected institutions. Parliaments are criticised for being distant,
not understanding people’s real concerns and not being representative
of the population. Women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities,
young women and men, people with an immigration background and LGBTI
people still remain poorly represented in politics at local, regional,
national and European levels. This representation deficit perpetuates
the idea that political institutions are reserved for a specific
group, composed mostly of white, heterosexual men over fifty.

The time has come to take a holistic approach and look at
the issues of diversity, equality and inclusion across the board,
in order to ensure that parliaments and other elected institutions
fully reflect the complex diversity of European societies. More
diversity in politics would be beneficial for the political system
as a whole, enhancing its legitimacy and representativeness. It
would also contribute to preventing and combating discrimination
and negative stereotyping.